Expert Advice | Sports Lifestyle

Our 2020 Nike and adidas Soccer Cleat Picks

Jan 31, 2020

It should go without saying you need to have soccer-specific footwear before stepping onto the field, but how do you pick the right cleats, and what sets Nike soccer cleats apart from adidas soccer cleats?

Icons like Paul Pogba and Mohamed Salah prefer adidas cleats while they’re banging goals and notching assists. Then there are the scoring machines like Cristiano Ronaldo and Christian Pulisic, who lace up their Nike cleats before taking the Champions League by storm.

With our selection of premium men’s soccer cleats and grade school kids’ cleats, you can pick and choose based on style, playing position, cost and feel. Before you kick off under the bright lights at the Theatre of Dreams or send your little one out for their first game, look to Hibbett | City Gear. Here are some of our favorite 2020 cleat picks:

Nike Phantom Vision 2 Academy DF FG Grade School Kids’ Soccer Cleat

Nike Phantom Vision 2 Academy DF FG Grade School Kids' Soccer Cleat

The next-level control starts with Nike Phantom Vision 2 Academy Firm Ground (FG) cleats. A dual-layered upper provides a close fit and soft touch, while the outer layer of mesh and NikeSkin delivers a comfortable and lightweight ride. One feature we all love is that these cleats feature hidden laces, meaning your little star never has to miss a goal because they are lacing up.

Price: $60

Nike Jr. Mercurial Superfly 7 Academy MG Grade School Kids’ Soccer Cleat

Dynamic Fit (DF) collars are all the rage, and the Nike Jr. Mercurial Superfly 7 Academy offers that feature and much more. This multi-ground (MG) cleat is versatile and durable, thanks to its higher plate overlap and synthetic material. The ankle protection these cleats give future Ronaldos because of their high sock makes them a Hibbett | City Gear favorite.

Price: $60

Nike Phantom Vision 2 Pro DF FG Unisex Soccer Cleat

Serious players need serious tech. The Nike Phantom Vision 2 Pro unisex soccer cleat boasts a Dynamic Fit collar that gives you a seamless, locked-in fit. The DF collar sits lower on the 2s than previous models for a more comfortable and snug fit around the ankle. A ghost lacing system equips you with a clean control surface and strike zone. What we like is the tighter fit and texture of the boot enable players to have even more control when dribbling and shotting.

Price: $150

Nike Phantom Vision 2 Academy DF FG Unisex Soccer Cleat

Nike Phantom Vision 2 Pro DF FG Unisex Soccer Cleat

The Nike Phantom Vision 2 Academy cleats are the perfect choice for weekend warriors who play casually. The React midsole keeps feet happy and comfortable all game long. The rubber-studded outsole provides traction on grass and some artificial surfaces. The lacing unit under hidden under the flap is a favorite because you never have to stop a game to lace back up.

Price: $80

Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Academy MG Unisex Soccer Cleat

Versatile. Vivid. Innovative. The Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Academy cleats build upon technology from the 6s and offer an improved feel on both artificial and natural surfaces. Nike designed the boots with a textured and synthetic material that enhances your touch during those sprints toward goal. Comfortable padding at the ankle and soft synthetic material cutting down on the amount of time it takes to break these cleats in make them a Hibbett | City Gear top pick.

Price: $80

adidas Predator 20.2 “Active Red” Men’s Soccer Cleat

adidas Predator 20.2 "Active Red" Men's Soccer Cleat

Predator boots are iconic within the soccer world. The adidas Predator 20.2 continues the legacy with new additions like a seamless tongue (for added lockdown) and hundreds of rubber elements in the material that can actually change the flight of the ball. These kicks strike fear into goalkeepers everywhere. Why does it make our list? This cleat packs a double punch with its outsole and rubber spikes on the top of the boot. Both elements help players get the ball and keep it, no matter the weather conditions.

Price: $120

adidas Predator 20.3 FG J Grade School Kids’ Soccer Cleat

Goal hunters and poachers need the right tools to express their talent. The Predator 20.3 for grade school kids is a great place to start. The Demonscale 3D strike zone mimics the adult version, while the mid-cut ankle height improves the overall fit and support on firm ground surfaces. Due to its soft and adaptable synthetic upper, it has become one of our fan favorites.

Price: $60

adidas Predator 20.3 LL FG Men’s Soccer Cleat

If control is what you’re looking for, then you’ve found it in the Predator 20.3 LL men’s soccer cleat. These boots feature laceless construction and provide optimal adaptive fit and lockdown due to the unique sock-like upper construction. Making our list because of its mid-cut firm ground football boot and its textured upper for improved ball control the Predator 20.3 LL gives its wearers an unfair advantage on the field.

Price: $100

Put Hibbett | City Gear at the top of your team sheet when it’s time to suit up for battle. Whether you’re Team adidas or Team Nike, we have a range of soccer cleats and all the essential soccer gear you need to step up your game and put some game-winning trophies on your shelf.

Shop the Story